1999 Rover - Austin 200 Vi review from UK and Ireland

Locking wheel nuts were chewed on drivers side, and the key for them was broken. Dealer wouldn't admit responsibility and cost me £30 for a new set (noticed they changed the design of the new ones!!!)

The Rover alarm/immobiliser is not compatible with my Clifford alarm. It doesn't lock sometimes.

Everyone has one car that fits their whole persona, I've already found mine.

Without doubt the best car I could have bought for the money. Its so fast you wouldn't believe, and the K-series engines are one of the most tuneable engines around.

143 brake horse power as standard, and I plan to take mine to 180bhp in the next few months!!!

0-60 in under 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 140, puts many other GTi type cars to shame.

My hit list so far includes.

Impretza turbo (5 bodies in the Subaru, couldn't catch my Vi @ 135mph)

Many Golf GTi's, Renault 19 16v, Saxo vts etc.

The best part about this car is its undersatedness. It's so subtle, and it looks like a 214Si. in a nice burgundy red metallic, very classy. Walnut dash, 15" alloys, Sun roof, Full electrics, Anti lock brakes, twin airbags, a mesh front grille and spot lights all add to the package.

Being quite young, and conscious about drawing attention to myself from police etc. I find the Vi a great way to disguise my young testosterone fueled urges, to plant the pedal to the metal.

The understated looks also invites people to go for the overtake, as they generally think it's a 1.4, and even the Police are none the wiser.

Very much on par with the MG ZR 160 but with out the plastic "boy racer" look with its primary colours and spoilers.

A simple modification of £90 for a Piper Cross induction kit takes the car to 150 bhp!!!

The engine uses variable valve timing, like a Honda v-tec engine, but its even more efficient as the 1.8 VVC is infinitely variable, where the Honda has 2 settings. Or in English, saves petrol.

These cars are currently selling for around £6000, and for a car that cost £16000 3 years ago, that's not bad at all.

The stereo is crap, but the engine is quite loud and makes for not very good acoustics in the first place. Especially once you fit the Piper Cross kit.

Ill have my Vi for ever, even once I've moved on to something newer (or more sensible), and ill still be explaining to people that its not a 1.4!